San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Seattle typically costs $2,700–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 807 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Seattle
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA typically costs $2,700–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 807-mile move from San Francisco to Seattle, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,567 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,540 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,719 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 16, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 29, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 13, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Seattle
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,500.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($600–$1,700) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Seattle movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Seattle
If you want to simplify your interstate move from San Francisco to Seattle, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→WA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Seattle runs about -1% higher for singles and 12% higher for families than San Francisco.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Seattle versus $3,781 in San Francisco; families pay $9,801 compared with $8,717.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Francisco | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Seattle from San Francisco, you'll find that rent is roughly 39% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 32% less in Seattle than in San Francisco.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 43% lower in Seattle compared to San Francisco.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Seattle and San Francisco, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- When relocating to Seattle, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 12% greater than in San Francisco.
- Seattle enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 11% lower compared to San Francisco, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 20% in Seattle over San Francisco, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Francisco and Seattle:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in San Francisco than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in San Francisco than in Seattle.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Seattle.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Seattle.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Seattle
| San Francisco | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 71 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Seattle's population is about 9% less than San Francisco.
- Seattle's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Seattle is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 74 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Seattle and San Francisco have a similar crime rate with scores of 58.88 and 61.41, respectively.
- Seattle is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 49.23 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Seattle move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Seattle. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you've decided to make the move to Emerald City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
Once you're settled into your new home in Washington, it's time to get out and discover what Seattle has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Seattle, such as the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Seattle?
The best time to move from San Francisco to Seattle is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Seattle?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to Seattle, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Seattle take?
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA covers 807 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Seattle.
Which movers in San Francisco give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Francisco?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 70 movers in San Francisco advertise piano moving expertise. 63 movers in San Francisco provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
